Blogs from Kolkata, West Bengal, India, Asia - page 7

Once again I want to apologize for not writing in this more, where we stayed in Pune was great but not having an actual computer and not being acclimated yet really put a halt on blogging. So to begin where I left off, we woke up the next morning- still in the same clothes as three days earlier- and began the search for our luggage. Thankfully our driver showed up in the morning with a cell phone for our group so I was able to call the baggage lady in Delhi to see where our bags were- that is if they knew. Well I called and they still had no idea where our bags were- so Sarah and I went to the Desai Eye Hospital like we were supposed to be that day and let them ... read more

The rickshaw traveled around 1,600 km across three different Indian states to get to Calcutta (or Kolkota) on April 19. The traffic in Calcutta reminded us of why we were avoiding big cities, and was as bad as what we had experienced in Bangalore and Hyderabad. After having driven through almost 3,000 km through tough roads, cities and terrain, our rickshaw was not in the state to continue for the final 3 days that would ensure we reached Bombay in time for our flight to Australia. While we regretted stopping a little short of our target, we were glad that we were able to participate and experience the mayhem of Indian roads including both surprising acts of kindess and support from strangers as well as the craziness of people behind the wheel. Also, thanks to support ... read more

08.00 Hours Wednesday 28 March So here we are all alone in my last stop, Calcutta before I fly down to Cochin on Saturday. Feels a bit odd to be alone after all the companions of late So today I want to see the cricket ground Eden Gardens then take a ferry on the Hoogley River, take some photos of Howrah Bridge and go the famous flower market under the bridge. I set off early to try to beat the heat of the day. I walk to Eden Gardens but it’s difficult to get a good photo as the place is so big. I take the ferry across the river back to Howrah station where we arrived yesterday So I am out for 6 hours and it’s getting really hot so I head back only stopping ... read more

I was told today it was Friday, it’s a good thing I was told as had I been asked I would not have been able to give you an answer. I have genuinely completely lost track of what day of the week it is and what the date is because these things have simply become irrelevant. It is a truly liberating feeling to not have a single concern about two pieces of information which used to dictate my life and mood. Monday no longer means despair at a full week of work, Sunday no longer means the day to rest (or usually nurse a brutal hanover), Saturday no longer means party night. The only thing I keep a lose track of these days is the time and thats just so I know when to expect my ... read more

India...at last! For some time, this country had been somewhat of a ‘forbidden fruit’ for Amy and I; a mirage on the horizon only to be viewed from afar but never satisfactorily experienced in any meaningful way. For quite some time, it has been at the head of our list of countries we would endeavour to visit; from its diversity of both landscape and culture to the taste of the food and the sheer sensual shock of what awaits; it has enticed and tormented in all manner of ways. Approximately ten months ago we were all set to go, to finally experience this land to which many a thought had wandered. As our passports will attest, our visas held all the official statements and signatures for our arrival from China. But, as those who have followed ... read more